1
as in wicked
tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness
the children had been so mischievous that we had to pay the babysitter extra and then clean up the mess
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in naughty
engaging in or marked by childish misbehavior
punished for their mischievous tricks on the neighbors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in dangerous
causing or capable of causing harm
mischievous gossip that ruined a good teacher's reputation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of mischievous
The mischievous elf with pointy ears and a toothy grin made its leap to collectible toy four years later, thanks to China’s Pop Mart.
—
Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 25 July 2025
These plush little monsters with that mischievous smile are all the rage right now.
—Anna Halkidis, Parents, 23 July 2025
This mischievous animal has an impressive shoe collection.
—Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 17 July 2025
The sweet little girl and her mischievous blue alien finally give Hollywood its first billion-dollar movie of 2025, with Lilo & Stitch the only studio film to reach the milestone this year.
—Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for mischievous
Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 25 July 2025
These plush little monsters with that mischievous smile are all the rage right now.
—Anna Halkidis, Parents, 23 July 2025
This mischievous animal has an impressive shoe collection.
—Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 17 July 2025
The sweet little girl and her mischievous blue alien finally give Hollywood its first billion-dollar movie of 2025, with Lilo & Stitch the only studio film to reach the milestone this year.
—Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for mischievous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mischievous
Adjective
-
Similarly, a text grappling with a wicked problem shouldn’t stay limited by the narrow confines of literary genre, instead blending journalism, memoir, fiction, and narrative nonfiction.—
Melody Glenn
July 23,
Literary Hub,
23 July 2025
-
Stinging and 'wicked' Asian needle ants are spreading across the US Are invasive tawny crazy ants in Ohio?—
Kim Luciani,
The Enquirer,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
There are many more unbelievable and naughty moments to come in Stalter’s career, to be sure.—
Elaina Patton,
IndieWire,
8 July 2025
-
Roger Brown’s 1983 disco painting of a skeleton in a naughty leather cap embodies both extremes.—
Lori Waxman,
Chicago Tribune,
21 July 2025
Adjective
-
But having too few senescent cells is dangerous, because senescence helps block tumors.—
Tad Friend,
New Yorker,
4 Aug. 2025
-
Easter said police recently secured a court order for two vehicles – a Toyota Chaser and a Yamaha R1 – to be destroyed after they were connected to dangerous driving activities.—
Caleb Lunetta,
Mercury News,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Many designs incorporate bold color accents, vibrant greens, reds, yellows, and blues by adding a playful contrast to the metals.—
Essence,
Essence,
29 July 2025
-
The concept: Treat pies like science projects, creating combinations with unique toppings and playful names.—
Lyndsay C. Green,
Freep.com,
29 July 2025
Adjective
-
Truth be told, neither outcome would have been a bad choice.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
-
Do not accept the offer, go home and explain to your constituents what bad people the Democrats are, and what a great job the Republicans are doing, and have done, for our Country.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
3 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
That might help researchers discover which technology helps what kinds of people best and which makes no impact or is harmful to brain health.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
-
McNair said any delay in response from school officials and emergency responders are especially harmful.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
29 July 2025
Adjective
-
Despite Igor's impish antics, his Facebook posts and TODAY appearance have generated considerable interest from potential adoptive parents.—
Moná Thomas,
People.com,
14 July 2025
-
The others were Dan Lucas, the guitarist, from York, and Taylor Stewart, the drummer, from outside Glasgow—the group’s impish prankster, who has a penchant for choking his mates and kicking them in the balls.—
Nick Paumgarten,
New Yorker,
16 June 2025
Adjective
-
The unexpected adverse media campaign that was launched by those who resigned on 24 March 2025 has caused incalculable damage and offers a glimpse of the unacceptable behaviors displayed in private.—
Simon Perry,
People.com,
5 Aug. 2025
-
Studies show that drinking prune juice can reduce constipation symptoms without triggering adverse side effects like gas and loose stools.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
5 Aug. 2025
Video
'Mispronunciations' That May Be Fine
'Mischievous,' 'nuclear,' and other words to pronounce with caution.
Cite this Entry
“Mischievous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mischievous. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share